10 Items Your Kids Will Need to Transition to Middle School

They're leveling up! Help your big kid prepare for the next chapter with these essential items.

September 13, 2023

By: Samantha Lande

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Photo By: MoMo Productions

10 Items Every Middle Schooler Needs

Entering middle school marks the transition from kid to tween, and you’ll need to step up your game a little. Middle school kids have opinions, so make sure to consult them on what they like. School also gets a little more serious, so you’ll want your student to be equipped with the right gear. Here are ten things your kid will need when they begin their new chapter.

Locker Supplies

In many middle schools, kids are getting lockers for the first time. This locker set has everything they'll need to keep organized: a shelf to add extra space, a dry erase board for notes, magnets to organize papers, and a holder for pens and pencils. Plus, there's a mirror to make sure no lunch is left stuck in their teeth.

BUY IT: Amazon, $13.99

Pouches

The transition from elementary to middle school means moving classes throughout the day instead of leaving supplies at a desk. This pencil pouch can slip right into their binder and hold anything they need, from sticky notes to pens and pencils. It’s antimicrobial as an added bonus!

BUY IT: Target, $4.99

Highlighters

Most middle schoolers will need highlighters to keep track of important text, plus the vibrant colors are always fun to use. These are erasable, so there’s no pressure as students get used to it. They can simply highlight and erase if they choose the wrong sentence!

BUY IT: Target, $6.59

iPad Case

Your middle schooler might be carrying around an iPad as part of their curriculum. Although the school will likely issue a case, you may just want something a little more heavy-duty to make sure it lasts through the year. This case is durable, lightweight, and comes with a handle for easy carrying. You can stand it up in landscape or portrait, and it comes in a ton of fun, bright colors as well!

BUY IT: Amazon, $15.99

A Bigger, Sturdier Backpack

In middle school, they'll be lugging around a backpack to every class, so you’ll want to make sure it’s sturdy, lightweight, and big enough to hold all of their stuff. These Jansport bags are a reliable pick with a large main pouch and an organized front pocket. With dozens of colors, there is a choice for every kid.

BUY IT: Amazon, $37.00

Balance Board for Homework

We spend so much time griping that we shouldn’t be at our desks all the time as adults, so why not be preventive with our kids? In middle school, the homework picks up big time. Give them a new way to do homework with this balance board, which is ergonomically designed for kids. They can do their homework (or even play their video games) standing up after a day of sitting through school. It’ll help them concentrate and keep their spines healthy.

BUY IT: Fluid Stance, $189.00

An Inspirational Notebook

With the pressures of school starting to mount in middle school, sometimes it’s nice to have a place to take notes that also inspires you to do your best. There are tons of inspirational notebooks out there, but we like the simple "You Got This" to get through that to-do list.

BUY IT: Amazon, $13.25

Skincare

Middle school comes with changing hormones and it's likely a good time to pull together a simple skincare routine. This set from Petite n Pretty comes with a cleanser and moisturizer that are perfect for tween girls and boys — and it's pediatrician recommended. The moisturizer also has blue light protection against all of the screens kids watch.

BUY IT: Ulta, $20.00

Dry Erase Calendar

Middle school is a great age for kids to start getting themselves more organized with homework, after school activities, birthday parties, chores, and more. A dry erase weekly calendar is an awesome for them to keep track of the week (with some parent help) and get ready.

BUY IT: Amazon, $19.97

A Great Water Bottle

Gone are the days where you need to look for a leakproof straw. In middle school, you can focus on a water bottle that will keep their water cold even for after school sports. Then, pick their favorite color to show off their style.

BUY IT: Dick's Sporting Goods, $39.95

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: The Coolest Backpacks for the New School Year, 10 Items That Make the Transition from Preschool to Elementary School Easier, How to Mentally Prepare Your Kids for School After An Unusual Year

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